England cricket team inflicted a 51-run defeat on Sri Lanka cricket team in their opening Super Eights Group 2 clash of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, as the hosts suffered a dramatic batting collapse while chasing a modest target.
Set 147 for victory, Sri Lanka crumbled to 34 for five inside the powerplay after Will Jacks (3/22) struck twice in two balls and Jofra Archer (2/20) rattled the top order with pace and accuracy.
Pathum Nissanka (9), Kamil Mishara (6), Kusal Mendis (4) and Pavan Rathnayake (0) all departed for single-digit scores as the chase unravelled swiftly. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 95 in 16.4 overs, never recovering from the early damage.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had produced a disciplined bowling effort after opting to field, restricting England to 146 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Phil Salt anchored the innings with a brisk 62 off 40 deliveries, providing the backbone of England’s total.
Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage (3/26) led Sri Lanka’s bowling charge, supported by Maheesh Theekshana (2/21) and Dilshan Madushanka (2/25), who kept
the scoring in check and picked up timely wickets.
However, Sri Lanka’s batting unit failed to capitalise on the bowlers’ efforts. England’s attack maintained relentless pressure, with Liam Dawson (2/27) and Adil
Rashid (2/13) joining Jacks and Archer in dismantling the middle and lower order.
The emphatic win gives England early momentum in the Super Eights stage, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention.
Brief scores:
England 146/9 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 62; Dunith Wellalage 3/26; Maheesh Theekshana 2/21, Dilshan Madushanka 2/25).
Sri Lanka 95 all out in 16.4 overs (Will Jacks 3/22; Liam Dawson 2/27, Jofra Archer 2/20, Adil Rashid 2/13).
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